Dive into the rich narrative of Arthur Sullivan's "The Prodigal Son," a captivating oratorio that brings to life the timeless parable from the Gospel of Luke. This 2003 release, beautifully performed by the New London Orchestra and The London Chorus under the direction of Ronald Corp, offers a profound exploration of redemption, family, and spiritual awakening. With a running time of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this album is a masterful blend of choral and solo vocal performances, accompanied by a full orchestra.
The album features a diverse range of vocal talents, including soprano, contralto, tenor, and bass solos, all woven together with a powerful chorus. The orchestration is equally impressive, with a rich tapestry of instruments including flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, trombones, and strings, all complemented by timpani, side drum, and organ. The music, composed in the Romantic style, is both uplifting and introspective, making it a standout piece in Sullivan's repertoire.
"The Prodigal Son" is not just a musical performance but a journey through the human experience, capturing the essence of joy, sorrow, and ultimate redemption. The album concludes with the "Boer War Te Deum," adding a layer of historical significance to the spiritual narrative. Whether you are a fan of classical music, choral works, or simply appreciate a well-told story, this album is a treasure trove of musical and literary delight.
The Prodigal Son: No. 1, IntroductionArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 2, Chorus. There Is Joy in the Presence of the Angels of GodArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Prodigal Son: No. 3, Solo. A Certain Man Had Two Sons (Tenor)Arthur Sullivan, Mark Wilde, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Prodigal Son: No. 4, Recit & Aria. My Son, Attend to My Words (Baritone)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Garry Magee, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 5, Recit. And the Younger Son Gathered All Together (Soprano)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 6, Solo & Chorus. Let Us Eat and Drink "The Revel" (Tenor/Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Prodigal Son: No. 7, Recit & Chorus. Woe unto Them (Mezzo-Soprano/Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Catherine Denley, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 8, Solo. Love Not the World (Mezzo-Soprano)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Catherine Denley, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 9, Recit. And When He Had Spent All (Soprano)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Prodigal Son: No. 10, Aria. O That Thou Hadst Harkened (Soprano)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Claire Rutter, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 11, Solo. How Many Hired Servants? (Tenor)Arthur Sullivan, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 12, Chorus. There Is Joy … The Sacrifices of GodArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Prodigal Son: No. 13, Recit & Duet. And He Arose (Soprano/Tenor & Baritone)Arthur Sullivan, Garry Magee, Claire Rutter, Mark Wilde, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Prodigal Son: No. 14, Recit & Aria. Bring Forth the Best Robe (Baritone)Arthur Sullivan, Garry Magee, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 15, Chorus. O That Men Would Praise the LordArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Prodigal Son: No. 16, Recit & Aria. No Chastening for the Present (Tenor)Arthur Sullivan, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 17, Quartet. The Lord Is NighArthur Sullivan, Catherine Denley, Claire Rutter, Garry Magee, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Prodigal Son: No. 18, Chorus. Thou, O Lord Art Our FatherArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
Boer War Te DeumArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus